The Details
• Botanical Name: Philodendron hastatum
• Common Name: Silver Sword Philodendron
• Pot Size: 70mm Nursery Pot
• Plant Type: Tropical climbing aroid
Light
Silver Sword thrives in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain its beautiful silvery-blue colouring and encourages healthy, compact growth.
Position it near an east-facing window where it can enjoy gentle morning sunlight, or a little back from a bright north-facing window where the light is filtered.
It can tolerate moderate indirect light, although growth may become slower and the stems may stretch towards the nearest light source.
Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh direct sunlight, particularly during the warmer parts of the day, as this can scorch the leaves and damage their beautiful metallic finish.
Watering
Silver Sword prefers its potting mix to partially dry between waterings rather than remaining constantly damp.
Water thoroughly when approximately the upper third of the mix feels dry, allowing excess water to drain freely from the nursery pot.
During spring and summer, check moisture levels regularly, as warmer temperatures and active growth may increase watering requirements.
In autumn and winter, allow the mix to dry a little further between waterings, particularly if the plant is growing more slowly.
Avoid allowing the pot to sit in water, as prolonged saturation can cause root rot. Yellowing leaves, soft stems and persistently wet soil may indicate overwatering, while drooping or curling foliage can be a sign that the plant needs a drink.
Feeding
Feed year-round using a balanced liquid fertiliser at the manufacturer's recommended dilution, or slightly weaker for young plants.
During spring and summer, fertilise approximately every two to four weeks to support healthy foliage development and encourage vigorous climbing growth.
In autumn and winter, reduce feeding to approximately every six to eight weeks, adjusting according to the plant's growth rate and indoor conditions.
Regular, balanced nutrition helps support strong stems, healthy roots and the development of larger leaves as the plant matures.
Growing
Silver Sword is a tropical climbing Philodendron prized for its distinctive silvery-blue foliage and elegant growth habit.
Young plants produce relatively narrow, elongated leaves with a smooth, metallic appearance. As the plant matures and begins climbing, its leaves can become considerably larger and develop a more pronounced, arrowhead-like or sword-shaped form.
In its natural environment, this species grows by climbing surrounding vegetation using aerial roots for support. Providing a moss pole, timber plank or other vertical structure indoors encourages a similar growth habit and can help the plant develop more mature foliage.
Silver Sword prefers warm temperatures between approximately 18–28°C and appreciates moderate to high humidity. While it can adapt to typical indoor humidity levels, additional humidity can be beneficial during periods of active growth.
Protect it from cold draughts, sudden temperature changes and direct airflow from heating or air-conditioning.
For best results, grow it in a chunky, well-aerated aroid potting mix that provides excellent drainage while retaining a little moisture. A combination of orchid bark, coco chips, perlite and pumice is particularly well suited to its roots.
As the plant develops, gently guide its stems towards a climbing support and secure them loosely if necessary. With the right conditions, this beautiful little Philodendron can eventually become an impressive feature plant.
Pet Friendly?
Unfortunately, no. Silver Sword Philodendron is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or ingested.
Like other Philodendrons, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation to the mouth, tongue and throat, along with drooling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing.
Keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and children, particularly those who enjoy nibbling on foliage.
Good to Know
Silver Sword's signature metallic colouring develops as its leaves mature. Fresh growth may initially appear bright green or lime green before gradually transitioning to cooler, silvery-blue tones.
Juvenile plants can look quite different from mature specimens. As Silver Sword grows and establishes itself on a climbing support, its foliage may become larger and develop a more distinctive sword-like shape.
This is a climbing Philodendron rather than a naturally compact or bushy variety. Providing vertical support early can encourage stronger growth and help the plant reach its full potential.
When repotting, avoid moving into an excessively large pot. Choose a container only slightly larger than the existing root system and use a chunky, free-draining aroid mix to maintain good root aeration.
• We photograph as many of our plants as possible; however, some listings may occasionally use supplier images.
• As plants are living things, every plant is unique and natural variations in size, colour and fullness should be expected.
• The plant you receive may not be the exact one pictured, but we'll always hand-pick a beautiful, healthy plant we'd happily display in our own home.